J Korean Acad Oral Health.  2017 Dec;41(4):250-254. 10.11149/jkaoh.2017.41.4.250.

A comparative analysis of micro-organism colonization of tooth-brushes in a public bath based on the storage technique

• Yun JW
• Kim YK
• Kim JS
• Lee MK
• Lee JH

• KMID: 2400240
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.11149/jkaoh.2017.41.4.250

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Bacterial colonization on toothbrushes can cause stomatitis and other oral diseases such as dental caries and periodontitis. In this study we tested 18 toothbrushes, of which six were left exposedto the air, six were stored in a plastic bag, and six in a toothbrush case.
METHODS
ATP (RLU: relatively light unit) values measured by ATP Luminometer were compared with APC (CFU: colony forming unit) by swabbing culture method using 3Mâ„¢ petrifilmâ„¢ aerobic count plates.
RESULTS
Swabs from toothbrushes left exposed in the air developed an average of 651.67±261.94 CFU, while the "In plastic bag" and the "In toothbrush case" specimens developed 593.17±354.33 and 120.83±68.87 CFU, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The best option is to rinse the toothbrush well with water and to keep them dry in a well-ventilated area in order to reduce the growth of bacteria in a public bath.

Keyword

ATP bioluminescence; Micro-organism; Public bath; Toothbrush

MeSH Terms

Adenosine Triphosphate
Bacteria
Baths*
Colon*
Dental Caries
Methods
Periodontitis
Plastics
Stomatitis
Water
Adenosine Triphosphate
Plastics
Water

Figure

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  Fig. 1 ATP measurement according to storage method of the toothbrush.

• 

  Fig. 2 ATP measurement according to storage method of the tooth-brush.

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